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5 Rules For Future Cops
Andrew G. Hawkes
Growing up, I would always stand in awe and stare every time I saw a police officer. Whether at the mall with my parents, or seeing a squad car driving down the road, Police officers were my heroes. That dark blue uniform, with that shiny badge glistening in the sunlight displayed authority to me, it portrayed the “good guys”, that’s what I wanted to be when I grew up.
20 years has now passed since I first pinned on my badge, and I can tell you that I have met several young people that had the same hopes and dreams that I had as a youngster. But, unfortunately, some of them have made poor decisions in their late teen and early 20’s years that have made it difficult for them to fulfill their dream of becoming a cop.
No one says you have to wear a halo or be perfect to be a cop, but there are some things that may hinder you in your quest to become a law enforcement officer. Below are 5 tips to help you stay the course, especially in your post high school and college years.
1. Alcohol and Drugs
If they are illegal, don’t do them, period. Resist any temptation from peers. If you are at a party or in a social setting where there is a potential to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, then leave. This “Can I Be a Cop If…” questionnaire might be of help if you have concerns.
2. Try to work towards a college degree
Most states require police officers to be 21 years of age. If you decide in high school that you want to become a police officer, you have three years to wait anyway, you should be getting as many college credits as you can while you wait.
3. Keep your credit score in good shape
It is hard to resist credit card offers, especially in today’s economy when money is tight, but do not get yourself in debt that you simply cannot repay. This will destroy your credit score and your application. Police agencies will see this as irresponsible. If you cannot manage your own affairs it makes it hard for a police department to trust you with theirs.
Anonymous
almost 3 years ago
wow...some of the posts on here...is this a confessional?
joebett1
almost 3 years ago
2 Comments
Talking about social networking sites I have Facebook and Twitter. I am extremely cautious about what I post on these sites, and I realize that positive posts and twits can do wonders when it comes to the backg. investig. My backg. investig. in Texas told me, "You have two options at this point in the backg. interview. Log me into your Facebook/ Myspace/ and Twitter accounts or you shall be disqualified from the hiring process!" Obviously, I logged my investigator into my accounts and he asked me several questions about pictures of current and ex- girlfriends on my facebook. When it was all said and done I realized that a clean profile with positive status updates can make an enormous difference in your favor.
spd301
almost 3 years ago
6 Comments
Our department weeds people out left and right for facebook and other social networking sites. It seems that applicants thing that if it's on the internet, it doesn't count. Believe me, it all counts. Just one point of view from an old cop.
Alexander_Ott
about 3 years ago
574 Comments
>>IL_Soccer_Grad said:
>>Good info. but also common knowledge
Common knowledge ain't so common though, eh?
Are there any other tips other LEO's would like to share?
ethan2010
about 3 years ago
52 Comments
i am overly cautious but i dont regret it a bit.being a LEO is my dream for life, and doing this bad stuff only lasts a while, so i live my life by these rules! i'm also a type 1 diabetic, so i know i have to bring more to the table than others if i want to protect and serve.this was a great piece!
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
reading the responses...wow....just...wow
Tetra021
about 3 years ago
492 Comments
I've been around people smoking pot but never smoked it my self. i have consumed alcohol underage when I was 18 and won't anymore:). I have no credit card, only my friends can view my facebook, and I got one traffic ticket when I was 16 for running a red light.
I think the number 1 things I really need to work on right now is my confidence and school work. I am passing in college right now but I know I can do much better.
Currently enrolled in DMACC for a 2 year CRJ degree, but If no police department is hiring I may go for a 4 year degree or apply at the nearby county jail and gain experience there.
clobster
about 3 years ago
1552 Comments
1) No drug history. Drank before 21 but more of a beer with dinner guy now. 2) Graduated in March. 3) 737. 4) Full privacy settings. 5) Clean record. I'm more concerned about my background.
diderr
about 3 years ago
66 Comments
I'm following these rules, and pursuing a 4 year degree. I don't have a credit card, and pay my loans on time. I stay out of trouble, but I feel my cautions have impacted my social life slightly. I just ask myself before I do anything stupid, "Will this look good on an application?" Most the time the answer is no.
phoenixgirl
about 3 years ago
162 Comments
Thank you for writing this because for all of my high school life, I have avoided these things. And other students and even a few of my friends can't comprehend why I am so worried about the future and this just let me know that I'm not being overly cautious like so many have told me and I'm not 'wasting my youth' as one of my 'friends' so graciously put it.
Dropit1982
about 3 years ago
18 Comments
I am going to a 2 year course at Everest Collage for a assosiates degree in Criminal justice to become a LEO
wannabecop89
about 3 years ago
8 Comments
I have no credit and I have been told this is a bad thing. I really hope it does not get in the way of my becoming a police officer because I really want to become one.
88malo
about 3 years ago
134 Comments
i would say my credit is in good shape but i do have points on my drivers liscence, they are suposed to 'go away' in a year or so, i hope that in a few years my credit will be better and be able to prove to the department that i made a stupid mistake, ackowledge it and took full responsibility for my actions and payed my debt to society
meshtatiluv04
about 3 years ago
44 Comments
I have one strike against me- bad credit! I really need to try and work on that. I didn't realize how bad it could impact my future.
deckerpolice28
about 3 years ago
48 Comments
great info something all young people wanting to become a leo should read